Hi guys, this was my dad's car and after he died it sat for almost ten years with the top up and a car cover over it. We would start it from time to time and pull it forward in the driveway and back, etc. I was able to ship it from VA to CA and now it is no longer suffering in the elements. However, over the years, the convertible top deteriorated and water made its way inside the cabin. The paint, bumpers, engine compartment, drivetrain and trunk are all pristine, but the passenger cabin is a mess. Rusty metal, cracked and faded leather, disintegrating wood, the whole nine yards. After replacing the cooling lines and some other small maintenance items, the car drives fine. However, none of the electrics work. No radio, no lights, no blinkers, no brake lights, no warning lights, no info center, or gauges (aside from tach and speedo which are likely non-electrical). The map lights do work. The convertible top operates but the side windows do not.

My question is, aside from replacing all of the relays and fuses one by one, which I will do if necessary and probably should anyway, is there something in the cabin that, if damaged by water or rust, would kill all of these systems? An ECU or some sort of box I don't know about?

I'm handy and can fix or replace most parts.

Thanks so much!

 

Great photo, sorry I can’t help but I’m sure someone will soon.

 

Welcome...

Nice car and nice house.... got to love LA.. never rains when we visit, does it ever rain? Your house would drown in NZ...one thing we have is to much water!
No **** we have to mow the lawn every week!... I hate the lawn!

And welcome, soon you will know what is needed when the XJS gods comment and it will be a shock.
I am a new XJS owner and all my spare time is spent working on it because it is my new hobby, but I have not spent a lot of cash.
I do not have deep pockets, this site will help you have a special car if you can do the work your self, other wise very deep pockets will be needed.

 

I don’t have much to say about the main electric problem, I am afraid....however, I would love to see some photos of your before and after interior restoration if you have them.

 

Thanks guys. I'll be sure to take some photos of the interior now and after I reupholster. I think maybe some overall condition photos would help.